Alabama Rep. Mask Admits Playing Poker While Opposing Gambling Legislation in State

Alabama state Representative Barry Mask testified on Monday that an indicted casino owner, Milton McGregor, tried to buy his vote for pro-gambling legislation.  Mask claimed that Milton did so by promising significant campaign contributions from friends. 

Mask worked with FBI agents to help crack the case that led to several arrests related to corruption and “vote buying”. 

"I'm committed to helping you in a significant way through friends of mine," the VictoryLand casino owner told Mask in the recorded phone call.

Mask said McGregor left him a phone message on Feb. 14, 2010, asking him to call. Mask contacted an attorney with the state Department of Public Safety, putting him in touch with the FBI. 

Mask, who has always voted against gambling legislation, says he would be hurt politically if he reported campaign contributions from McGregor on his campaign finance reports, which are public records, the Associated Press reported. 

McGregor explains that he has lots of friends and he can influence who they support in campaigns. "I mean significant help. These people are players," McGregor says.

When Mask presses him for a figure, McGregor says he needs to call his friends. But he assures Mask that he keeps his promises.

"I've made a commitment to you," McGregor says on the tape.

In an interesting twist during the investigation, Mask acknowledged during conversations with the defendant that he enjoys playing poker with friends even though he traditionally opposes gambling legislation.

- Gilbert Horowitz, Gambling911.com